Small Business Insurance

As a sole trader, if you employ direct members of your family, they can be covered under a close family extension cover. Close Family means a husband, wife, civil partner, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather, stepmother, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, stepson, stepdaughter, brother, sister, half-brother or half-sister.

If you operate a limited company, you will need employers’ liability insurance. Please check policy documentation for what is applicable to your situation.

If you subcontract work the other pet professional will need their own insurance policy. We can only cover staff members you employ and have listed under employers’ liability cover.

Yes, you can add staff under Employers’ Liability cover.

In this case you might invalidate your insurance if you need to make a claim.

No, if you have selected dog training as an activity this will include puppy training as well as other types of dog training, provided it is not listed as an exclusion. Please check policy documentation for all limitations.

It is not a legal requirement to have a qualification, so you can still get insurance provided you have complied with any policy limitations. In the case of home boarding, you are required to have a licence.

You are covered under our loss of keys cover, up to £10,000, which can cover replacement keys and locksmiths.

You are covered by our Care Custody and Control cover or non-negligent cover depending on what the situation of the injury is and provided you have complied with any endorsements.

We cannot cover if an animal was to damage your own property, we can cover if they damage a third party or their property.

Our policy can cover you if your home is your business premises or you rent a business premises. When working from home, do check with your home insurance that it can be used for business use.

You are not obliged to keep specific records, but it could be useful in the event of claim against you.

Yes, if you need to change your liability limit or add employers’ liability this can be amended but it will affect the price of your policy.  Furthermore, once added it cannot be removed until the end of your policy or you cancel the policy.

Yes, if you add new services, you need to amend your policy so these activities are listed. Our policy can cover 14 different pet care activities on one policy. (Although, you are automatically covered for the following activities as long as they are under the same business name):

• Dog Walking (For walking up to six dogs)
• Dog and Cat Grooming
• Dog Hydrotherapy
• Dog Training
• Pet Behaviourist
• Pet Boarding
• Pet Microchipping
• Pet Minding
• Pet Sitting
• Pet Taxi
• Pet Transportation

Immediately – you are covered as soon as you’ve paid for your policy and receive your documentation.

Cover is only provided for:

• Hand scissoring
• Clipping
• Wash & blow drying
• Hand stripping
• De-shedding
• Nail cutting
• Ear plucking & cleaning
• Anal gland expression
• Pet tooth brushing

Any grooming activities outside these specified services are excluded.

• No cover for breeding activities or vaccinations
• No cover for theft/disappearance unless animal missing for more than 7 consecutive days
• No cover for the insured’s own animals

No coverage for dangerous dogs as classified under Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 including:

• Pit Bull Terriers
• Japanese Tosas
• Dogo Argentinos
• Fila Brazilieros
• Any crossbreeds of these dogs
• No cover for horses or any animal that is not kept in a domesticated environment or for companionship.

• Strict limit of maximum 6 dogs per handler at any one time
• This applies whether dogs are on or off lead
• Exceeding this limit may invalidate your insurance

No cover if you don’t hold a valid Animal Boarding Establishment Licence when required by local authority.

You must comply with specific boarding conditions including:

• Suitable accommodation requirements
• Adequate food, drink and bedding provision
• Regular exercise requirements
• Emergency safeguarding procedures
• Infectious disease protection measures

If you employ any of the following members of your family, they too will be covered for Public Liability under your policy as standard. You do not need to take out Employers’ Liability to cover those family members either. If however, your business is a limited company and the family members are directors, the close family extension will not apply.

Family members included: Husband, wife, civil partner, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather, stepmother, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, stepson, stepdaughter, brother, sister, half-brother or half-sister.

We are no longer able to cover XL Bullies under our Pet Business insurance for our customers based in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is due to their addition to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

You can cancel your pet business insurance policy at any time by contacting us directly via phone or email. If you cancel within 14 days of the policy start date, you may be eligible for a full refund. After 14 days, you may receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your policy, minus any applicable cancellation fees. Please call us to discuss your specific situation and to process the cancellation.

Our policy does not cover any breeds listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, including newly added breeds such as XL Bullys. It’s important that you check the latest government guidelines for a list of banned breeds to ensure compliance with your insurance coverage.

All of our public liability insurance policies are annual.

No, our policy will only cover you for working in the UK.

To be covered by our Pet Business Insurance policy you must be at least 18 years of age.

The pet business insurance policy is valid anywhere in the UK and covers the following business activities:

Dog Walking
Dog Training
Pet Behaviourist
Pet Minding
Pet Sitting
Pet Boarding
Pet Taxi
Pet Grooming
Pet Microchipping
Included within the grooming activities are; hand scissoring, clipping, wash and blow drying, hand-stripping, de-shedding, nail cutting, ear plucking and cleaning, and anal gland expression.

Yes, providing in doing so you will not putting the client in any danger and you are acting within your PT/coaches qualification.

Yes, you are covered to provide first aid in an emergency.

No, our PT insurance policy provides cover for you to train/coach amateur sports people only.

Yes, providing you hold the relevant qualification to offer nutritional advise. Our professional indemnity benefit will cover you for offering this kind of advice.

Our Personal Training Insurance will cover you for teaching anywhere in the UK, providing you have permission if necessary.

Yes, you will be covered for accidents involving equipment providing it has been purchased for and used in connection with the business activities. You must take practical steps to ensure the equipment is in a good state to minimise accidents.

Yes, providing your client has signed a pre-exercise readiness questionnaire (PARQ) and has prior consent to train from a medical professional and you are able to adapt training to their conditions.

Our professional indemnity benefit covers you for claims arising from advice, instruction or tuition given to clients.

Yes, providing you hold the relevant qualifications to do this.

Under our Personal Trainer Insurance, substitute PTs will only be covered under your policy providing you have Employers Liability cover which is a legal requirement if you employ staff (paid or unpaid).

Yes, providing the damage is not a result of your negligence and the damage occurred during the training session.

Yes, our PT insurance will cover you for pre and post-natal clients providing your qualifications allow you to train those individuals and the client has verbal confirmation from a medical practitioner that it is safe for them to train.

Yes, providing you hold the relevant qualifications for weightlift training.

Yes, our PT insurance does provide cover for group training sessions and bootcamps. Providing you hold the relevant qualifications to teach that activity and age group.

We will cover you for any of our listed sports, on the basis that you hold a UK accredited qualification recognised by a governed body allowing you to teach the sport.

Yes, the gym’s insurance typically only covers you while working directly for them. You need separate insurance for private clients and sessions conducted outside the gym’s jurisdiction.

While standard personal trainer insurance often covers various disciplines, some specialities may require additional cover. Always declare your specific activities to ensure appropriate cover.

Your insurance should cover legal costs and compensation if a client claims their injury resulted from your instruction or negligence. You’ll need to report the incident to us immediately and document all relevant details.

As a fitness professional, you need insurance to protect against potential claims arising from client injuries, professional negligence, or accidents during training sessions. It’s often required by gyms and fitness facilities, and it safeguards your career and personal assets.

Our personal trainer insurance goes beyond standard cover, recognising that the fitness industry covers a whole range of different training environments.  Protectivity’s specialist cover is designed to protect you and your clients, regardless of the unique services you offer.

We can cover the following types of personal training:

• Group Personal Training Classes: Tailored for personal trainers who lead group classes, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. This cover includes protection from claims related to group activities, including public liability and injury claims that may arise in a larger class setting.
• Yoga, Pilates, and Mind-Body Classes: Cover extends to trainers offering yoga, Pilates, and other mind-body disciplines. This specialty insurance considers the distinct nature of these practices, including protection from claims related to physical adjustments, specific poses, and any equipment used, such as yoga mats, blocks, or Pilates reformers.
• Martial Arts-Based Fitness: For trainers who incorporate martial arts elements—such as kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, or self-defence techniques—into their sessions, our insurance provides cover tailored to the risks unique to these high-intensity activities.
• Outdoor and Boot Camp Training: Perfect for trainers who conduct sessions in parks, on beaches, or other outdoor locations. This cover addresses the risks associated with public spaces, environmental factors, and portable equipment. It also includes guidelines for conducting pre-session risk assessments.
• Online and Virtual Training: Our insurance includes options for trainers offering virtual sessions. Cover protects you from claims associated with virtual instructions, whether they stem from injury during live classes or prerecorded sessions shared with clients.
• Specialty Equipment Insurance: If you use specialised equipment such as resistance bands, kettlebells, or reformers, this optional equipment cover can protect against theft, damage, or loss. You can select the level of cover to match the value of your equipment, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re training in a gym or outdoors.
• Dance and Aerobics Classes: Cover is also available for instructors leading dance-based fitness classes, including Zumba, cardio dance, and step aerobics. This option provides protection for injuries or incidents related to high-energy dance routines, covering everything from slips and falls to interactions with equipment like step platforms.

Our cover options make it easy to create an insurance plan that aligns with your professional services, whether you’re working one-on-one, leading group classes, or teaching in unique environments. With tailored protection, you can focus on delivering exceptional fitness experiences while ensuring you and your clients are covered.

Yes, provided the insured value meets the cost of the new item.

Typically we would expect personal trainers to have a pre-exercise readiness questionnaire, which they give out to all of their clients. Usually, personal trainers have been taught about this in their training. We do not have a generic form that we are able to provide, although we need you to be aware of the medical condition of all your clients.

Yes, we can cover personal trainers who instruct children. We expect trainers to have obtained a suitable qualification for teaching children.

Yes, provided you hold a relevant qualification.

To determine what level is right for you or your business it’s important to consider the likelihood of a claim and the potential costs that may be incurred should a claim arise. If you use third-party facilities you should check to see if they have a minimum requirement. Often local authority facilities and schools require a minimum of £5 million.

Yes, providing you have selected the appropriate option of either Europe or Worldwide (excluding the USA). You must be a UK resident and cover is limited to 30 days during the annual period.

Yes, we’ll cover you for teaching anywhere in the UK, be it in a third party gym, client’s home or a public area. All we ask is that you’re qualified.

No, it’s great if you have one, just in case a client needs first response assistance, but it’s not compulsory.

Yes, subject to the other trainers/coaches being part of your company and only if you select “Partnership/Limited Company” as your business type. You will also need to consider Employers’ Liability if these other trainers/coaches are to be included in your policy of insurance. We are unable to cover bona fide subcontracted trainers/coaches on your policy of insurance.

As long as you are qualified there are no restrictions as to where you can take your personal training sessions or exercise classes. Be it in a gym, at home or in a local park we can provide cover for you. We do ask that the appropriate risk assessment is carried out beforehand.

Yes, provided you comply with the below requirements for remote coaching/instruction (live or prerecorded):

In respect of any coaching or instruction that is undertaken remotely, it is strongly recommended that the Insured should:

At the commencement of the session, advise participants:

1. that by participating they are doing so at their own risk;
2. a suitable, non-slip floor space is required and any potential obstructions in the vicinity are removed before they participate;
3. to avoid activities if they have, or suspect they may have any current health concerns, injuries, aches and pains;
4. avoid the use of blades, weapons or sharp instruments of any description;
5. avoid physical contact with other participants and where appropriate, adhere to social distancing guidelines;

Ensure that sessions are conducted for the benefit of participants who have demonstrated sufficient suitability to participate;

1. with new clients you must ensure that;
2. you obtain a signed PAR-Q form prior to the first session
3. you have had a pre-training consultation call
4. Continue to only instruct activities in which you are qualified to do so;
5. Record the session. Retaining the recording for a period of up to thirty-six (36) months may assist in any claim made against you
6. Maximum class size is 16

If you have employees, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This can be included in your policy and covers you if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of working for you.

We offer up to £5 million in public liability cover. The amount you need may depend on your specific business activities and any contractual requirements. Consider the maximum possible loss your business could face in the event of a claim.

Product liability is included in your policy. This covers you if a product you’ve sold or used causes injury or damage, subject to policy limits.

Yes, our policy covers mobile hairdressers. You’re protected while working at clients’ homes or other locations, and your equipment is covered during transit.

We can cover the following activities as standard under our Hairdressing Insurance policy:

The use of:

– Clippers/trimmers and cut-throat razors
– Electrical equipment such as curlers, straighteners, hairdryers and tongs

The application of:
– Bleaches, dyes, perms and tints
– Hair extensions (subject to you being qualified for the extension method you are using)
– Nail polish (including the application of acrylic coatings, cutting and shaping of nails), false eyelashes and semi-permanent eyelash extensions
– Tooth jewellery

The activities of:
– Ear piercing using a gun and stud
– Eyebrow plucking (including threading and waxing), shaping, dyeing, tinting and perming including semi-permanent mascara
– Washing, cutting, styling and drying of hair

If your chosen treatment is not listed, just get in touch and speak to one of our friendly advisors to see if we can cover you.

We do not need to see proof of your qualifications for you to be able to take out our insurance. We do, however, require you and any employees to hold the relevant qualifications or certificates for the services you are providing. Please note, that we do not accept qualifications that are obtained by a method of remote learning (e.g. internet-based training courses). If you need to make a claim on your Hairdressing Insurance policy then we may request to see these documents. Should we discover that you are not qualified to carry out the insured activities, we may reject your claim.

No, this is something that is not covered. Our policy is designed to cover Liability issues, such as injury to a third party, such as a customer, or damage to their property. For example, our policy would cover a mobile hairdresser if they were to burn a client’s scalp with curling tongs, or with an erroneously applied bleach.

You would need to do a patch test at least 24 hours prior to using a product on a client for the first time and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, if the manufacturer states that patch testing should be done more regularly, or each time that a product is to be used, then you should adhere to those instructions.

Yes, our Equipment Cover benefit includes protection for things such as styling products, treatment items and other stock you may use or sell in your salon. Like your specific hairdressing equipment, it is covered against loss, theft and damage up to the value selected on your policy. We even provide £250 worth of cover free of charge with every policy taken out.

If you include Employers’ Liability on your policy, we can provide cover for students as long as they are supervised.

If your equipment requires repair or is deemed to be broken and you have a valid claim, we will cover the costs of hiring new equipment to replace it while the original item is being replaced, or until your claim is settled, whichever is soonest.

No, we only provide cover for the items you use to provide your insured treatments, such as scissors, clippers, salon chair and razors.

Our Therapist Insurance can cover for assistants or support staff under our optional Employers Liability benefit if you have paid the additional premium to include this in your policy cover.

However, the assistants or support staff must not carry out any therapist activities they are not qualified to do.

Yes, this would be covered under our Public Liability benefit providing you are using the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

No, we cannot cover for you to train or teach any type of therapy under this policy.

Our Therapist Insurance policy can cover corporate contacts providing you operate as a sole trader or independent business and not as an enrolled employee of that company.

Our Therapist Insurance offers optional equipment cover up to the value of £3000, which provides cover for equipment specific to the treatments we are insuring you for. We can cover for accidental loss, accidental damage and theft.

Please ensure you are using the products or equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Our Therapist Policies are available on an annual basis only, we are unable to provide short-term cover.

You may be eligible for a partial refund if you choose to cancel mid-term and if there are no claims on the policy. However, please get into contact with us should this be required and we will be able to advise.

No, our Therapist Insurance is designed to cover only those who are qualified. We cannot provide cover for students or anyone who does not hold a UK accredited qualification from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company.

This will depend on the nature of the therapist activity and incidents which arise, the claims handler will however request a copy of the relevant UK qualification you hold (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company) to carry out the business activities we are covering you for.

No, we can provide cover for group therapy sessions providing you are practicing within your qualifications.

You are protected for these types of incidents under the Public Liability section of the policy.

Yes this would be covered under the professional indemnity benefit, which provides cover for claims arising from negligent advice, instruction or tuition.

The claims handler would ask for a copy of the relevant UK accredited qualification you hold (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company) to provide clients with treatment plans and reports.

Under our therapist insurance we have optional equipment cover up to the value of £3000, providing cover for equipment specific to the treatments we are insuring you for. This provides cover for accidental loss, accidental damage and theft.

Please ensure you are using the products or equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

You will be covered for working with vulnerable clients providing you have the right UK accredited qualifications (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company) do so and permission from any guardians/carers if necessary.

Professional indemnity protects you for advice you give to your clients whereas public liability protects you for physical injury or damage to a third party.

Yes, providing the equipment has been purchased for the sole purpose of carrying out the business activities we are insuring you for and you are using it in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and the equipment is appropriate for the purpose of the Business.

We can provide you with up to 2 years retroactive cover providing you have had continuous cover with Protectivity an there have been no gaps in cover.

No, our Therapist Insurance policy is designed to only provide cover with the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Our Therapist Insurance can cover for you to promote/sell your services at an event providing you are not the event organiser. However, we cannot cover you for making and selling your own products.

We cannot provide cover for:

• Any treatments you are not qualified or certified to do

• Prescription or supply of medicines and other pharmaceuticals

• Treatment provided to children or those under the age of 18 without parental or guardian consent

• Cover overseas

• Any actual or alleged act of abuse

No, our Therapist insurance is purchased on an annual basis whether you are a part-time or fulltime therapist.

No, we can provide you with cover for multiple therapist activities under one policy, providing you have the relevant certificates or qualifications from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company covering the treatments, services or duties being carried out.

Yes, we can cover you for multiple therapies providing you have the relevant certificates or qualifications from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company covering the treatments, services or duties being carried out.

We can cover you under our Therapist Insurance to work both from home and as a mobile therapist.

We offer cover for over 200 therapist activities, check out our quick quote process to find out if yours is covered. If it is not listed, please contact us by phone or email and one of our sales advisors will be able to advise.

https://www.protectivity.com/product/therapist-insurance/

Yes, as long as you are selling handmade crafts, your policy will cover you to sell crafts in pop-up shops or temporary retail spaces.

Yes, as long as your handmade items comply with our policy terms, custom orders and commissions are covered under product liability insurance.

Yes, our policy covers you for selling at both online and in-person events. However, if you store stock or equipment at more than two locations, this would not be covered.

Our stock cover includes £250 as standard, which can be increased up to £3,000. If you create particularly high-value handmade items, you may require additional cover—please contact us to discuss your needs.

Our craft insurance allows you to sell certain homemade food crafts such as baked goods, artisan food and confectionary. You can see a list of activities when you request a quote.

Yes, equipment cover is included as standard up to £250, with the option to increase it to £10,000. This covers loss, theft, or damage to your craft tools and equipment.

No, this crafters insurance provides cover to sell handmade crafts, but not workshops.

Our craft policy does not include event cancellation cover. However, you can opt for our Stallholder policy which allows you to add event cancellation cover.

Yes, the key exclusions include:

• Upcycling projects (our policy is designed for handmade products made from scratch).
• Exporting products to the US or Canada unless specifically agreed with us.
• Theft of stock or equipment from unattended vehicles.
• Heat work away from your premises (except for hot air guns, soldering irons, or engraving tools, when agreed with us).
• Storing stock and equipment at more than two locations (one must be your correspondence address).

No, our standard craft insurance does not cover loss of income. The policy primarily covers public and product liability, as well as protection for your stock and equipment.

It is up to you to have the correct registration in place for your business, we will not ask you for these details when you buy a policy, but it may affect

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover business activities, including making and selling handmade crafts. Our craft insurance provides dedicated cover to protect you against risks such as liability claims and loss of stock or equipment.

Our product liability insurance covers claims of injury or property damage caused by products you sell. This insurance is essential for crafters, as it protects you from potentially costly legal claims arising from your goods.

Yes – we can offer insurance that covers you for multiple events within that period. This is often more cost-effective than purchasing separate cover for each event.

Once your policy is active, you’ll receive several important documents via email: your insurance certificate, detailed policy terms, a key facts statement, and any supplementary paperwork. These can all be forwarded to event organisers as needed.

Yes – at Protectivity, we understand last-minute bookings and can arrange cover quickly, often within 24 hours. To ensure swift processing, have all your event and business details ready when applying.

By law, you must have employers’ liability insurance if anyone other than immediate family helps at your stall. This includes both paid staff and volunteers, protecting you if they’re injured whilst working with you.

Public liability insurance is vital cover and is the foundation of any craft fair insurance policy. This protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged at your stall. Many crafters also opt for product liability insurance to protect against claims arising from items they’ve sold. You might want to consider additional protection for your equipment and stock too.

Insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it is advised. Most event organisers will ask to see proof of public liability insurance before you’re permitted to trade at their craft fair. This essential cover safeguards you should a visitor sustain an injury or have their belongings damaged whilst at your stall.

Yes, our crafters insurance is designed for selling crafts online.

Yes, cover for your Business Equipment and Stock is covered whilst in transit. If you are using other companies to carry these goods, then they should have their own insurance to cover your goods when they are carrying them, as they would be responsible for them should they be damaged or stolen.

Yes, if you are exporting your products around the world, you will need cover for this distribution. Worldwide cover is available, with additional terms for the USA and Canada.

Yes, should your stock incur damages, it will be covered up to the value of £250, with the option to increase up to £3000.

No, not for the majority of crafts, your insurance restricts you to use heat equipment, only at your permanent premises. The exception is for hot air guns, soldering irons and/or engraving tools only.

This depends on your agreement with your subcontractors. Labour-only subcontractors (working under your direction) can be included on your policy of insurance, for work they provide under contract with yourself and your business only and should be included in the total numbers you provide in this application of insurance.

Bona-fide subcontractors (working under their own direction) will have to have their own insurance cover and cannot be included on your insurance policy but you will be obligated to retain proof of their insurance.